Murphy makes five personnel changes to the starting lineup from last week's Round 3 victory over Vodacom Bulls.
There are first starts of the season for hooker, Tom Stewart, and tighthead prop, Scott Wilson, who join loosehead prop, Sam Crean, in the front row.
Ireland international, Iain Henderson, captains the side in the second row, paired alongside Harry Sheridan.
The back-row remains unchanged, as David McCann starts at blindside flanker, Nick Timoney at openside flanker and Juarno Augustus at number eight.
After a Player of the Match performance against Vodacom Bulls, Nathan Doak continues at scrum-half alongside Jack Murphy at fly-half.
There are two changes to Ulster's exciting backline, as Michael Lowry is fit again to start at full-back.
Ireland international, Jacob Stockdale, starts on the left wing, with Werner Kok facing his former club on the right wing.
Stuart McCloskey and James Hume continue in their strong midfield centre partnership at twelve and thirteen.
Development lock, Joe Hopes, is named among the replacements, with the former Ireland U20s forward in line to make his first senior Ulster appearance since his debut in November 2023 against Connacht.
Rob Herring, Callum Reid, Tom O'Toole and Sean Reffell join Hopes as the forwards cover.
Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Jude Postlethwaite are the backline replacements.
Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ulster Rugby, Saturday 18th October, Round 4, BKT United Rugby Championship, Kings Park Stadium, 3pm (Live on Premier Sports, URC.tv)
(Player appearances in brackets)
1\. Sam Crean (4)
2\. Tom Stewart (57)
3\. Scott Wilson (37)
4\. Iain Henderson (165) (C)
5\. Harry Sheridan (43)
6\. David McCann (70)
7\. Nick Timoney (169)
8\. Juarno Augustus (2)
9\. Nathan Doak (91)
10\. Jack Murphy (15)
11\. Jacob Stockdale (135)
12\. Stuart McCloskey (206)
13\. James Hume (101)
14\. Werner Kok (16)
15\. Michael Lowry (125)
Replacements:
16\. Rob Herring (256)
17\. Callum Reid (31)
18\. Tom O’Toole (125)
19\. Joe Hopes (1)
20\. Sean Reffell (12)
21\. Conor McKee (3)
22\. Jake Flannery (21)
23\. Jude Postlethwaite (31)
Our opposition
The boys are pumped for our first home game of the season 💪
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) October 16, 2025
Who are you most excited to see at The Tank?@Vodacom #URC #SHAvULS pic.twitter.com/e3ZjGxvWIV